Reminder: To drive across the Hong Kong Macao Zhuhai Bridge (HKMZB), you must obtain a permit first and book at least 24 hours in advance of travel. A China driving license is also required.
19 Sept - South China Morning Post
I was interviewed by the South China Morning Post about self-drive holidays in China. Read 'China’s tourists hit the road in record numbers as driving tours pick up speed' here.
16 Sept - HK Consumer Council
The Consumer Council reviewed 12 local insurers on Unilateral Recognition products, finding that the Compulsory Motor Insurance limit is RMB200,000 per incident, but premiums vary by nearly 40%. On the Mainland, Commercial Insurance - Third Party Liability does not cover passengers. Motorists should also explore “Commercial Insurance – Persons on Board Liability,” typically limited to RMB200,000 per person.
Read more here here.
16 August - RTHK 3 - The Close
I was interviewed on RTHK, Hong Kong's public broadcaster, about self-drive holidays in China from Hong Kong and how this market may develop.
8 August - HSBC PayMe Launches UnionPay Virtual Card
PayMe by HSBC is launching a UnionPay virtual card, allowing its 3.2 million Hong Kong users to make payments worldwide. This will expand PayMe's acceptance to over 34 million merchants across 46 markets, including mainland China.
Starting August 8, after updating the app, users can pay globally by scanning UnionPay QR codes at merchants or showing their own QR code. Payments in foreign currencies will be deducted from the PayMe wallet at an exchange rate set by UnionPay. The card also supports online purchases at UnionPay-accepting merchants.
Read more here.
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About Ivan Theodoulou
Ivan Theodoulou is founder of Eight PR, a PR agency in Hong Kong. He first visited China in 1987 by train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and has since traveled extensively on the mainland and in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Ivan passed his China driving test in March 2024 and now drives regularly in the GBA.
Places visited in China (by car, plane, train, high speed train, ferry, coach, bus) include: Beijing, Beijou, Chengdu, Dali, Daya Bay, Dongguan, Foshan, Ganzhou, Gaoming, Guangzhou, Hainan, Hailing Island, Heishan, Huizhou, Junan, Kunming, Lijang, Longjiang, Nanhai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shilin Yi, Shunde, Wuzhou, Xiamen, Xiqaio, Yingde, Yinghe, Zhuhai, and Zhaoqing.
All information for general purposes only.